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adjective

previous

PREE-vee-us/ˈpriːviəs/

Existing or occurring before the current one.

Peeling blue paint reveals a previous coat of yellow underneath.

A small section of wall reveals a previous yellow coat of paint beneath a newer blue coat: one broad curled flake of blue exposes the older yellow layer underneath.
Etymology
preLatinbefore
+viousLatinroad, way

“Before” and “road” combine in the image of going ahead along a way. The adjective applies that idea to time: something previous comes before another event.

In context

Learn English with Bob the Canadian4:54
"Describe your last job." What they're looking for here is just a quick and simple description of what you used to do at your previous job.
Common Questions You'll Be Asked During An English Job Interview

More examples

  • The previous owner left a spare key with the neighbor.
  • We review the notes from our previous meeting.
  • This job requires no previous experience.

Forms

previous

previously adverb — At a time before the present.

Similar words

earlier
Emphasizes relative time rather than position in a sequence.
prior
More formal, especially for earlier events, conditions, or requirements.
former
Often describes a past role or state that has ended.